In partnership with the Lebanon County Library Association, LebTown is proud to introduce “Library Letters,” a series of columns about the programming, people, and possibilities offered by libraries around the county.
Today’s letter is from Barbara Neil, Technology Administrator of Lebanon County Libraries.
Electronic resources are vital during the pandemic and as we continue to face challenges with schooling and everyday research needs. However, some of our best resources are not found on a digital screen but are still within easy reach. Although we may access them by phone or email, patrons can receive specific, personal attention relating to their need.
Of course I am speaking about the staff and volunteers of each local library which support their community in dozens of ways. Some staff have years of experience in local history and support genealogy research. Libraries partner with local agencies in groups like WellSpan for the GO (Get Outdoors) Lebanon program which encouraged us all to get outdoors and visit our local parks this summer and has done so for three years, awarding prizes to children completing the program. Other partnerships with schools and local agencies have provided extra storytimes and take home craft projects. All of these ideas are made possible by the talented individuals in your library.
Myerstown Library resumed its ‘Raising a Reader’ program this week in partnership with Jackson Elementary School and United Way of Lebanon County. Each kindergarten student will receive a bag of books throughout the school year and return them every few weeks for new materials. Staff will be providing the book bags to the classrooms and returning to exchange materials periodically.
They also plan to set up a StoryWalk in the Myerstown Borough Park and playground. Signs will be spaced throughout the park so walkers can follow the pictures and read the story on their own or in a group. Other library activities are planned for late October in the park as well as additional stories in the future.
Some staff devote their time to knowing about the latest book and DVD releases so they can help provide our countywide Books-To-Go program members with items tailored specifically to their interests. If you or someone you know are in need of library materials, please contact us to find out how to obtain home delivery on a monthly basis. Books-To-Go is supported by the Lebanon Lions Club.
Great ideas for your next book are only a phone call away and we have easy access to the best-seller lists. Check with us if you are running out of ideas as new materials are added daily across the county. You can contact the Technology Administrator at bneil@lclibs.org to assist you in setting up a search alert which will email you weekly if new selections match the subjects you enjoy.
A lot of joy has been shared with us about how much children missed visiting the library and picking out materials to take home. A great book in a quiet corner is still a great way to spend an afternoon and requires no electricity. Adults may not feel they have as much time but we still have a great selection of print magazines in all topics from cooking to writing to motorcycles and handyman projects
Libraries are experimenting with outdoor book groups and storytimes while safely distancing.
Homework help is still available by requesting materials on a subject. Don’t forget to call in advance – we all need a little more time these days to get things ready for you. We do quarantine materials upon their return to help ensure the safety of all who come in contact with them.
Visitors may not be able to visit the Palmyra Public Library until after their parking lot repairs are finished around Sept. 20, but all other locations are open for regular service. Library hours have changed since the pandemic. Please call or visit our website in order to see the adjusted hours of operation for each library. All libraries are now offering public computers, printing and fax. All computers are spaced for social distancing and sanitizing products are readily available. We thank you for wearing a mask while you are sharing the building with your fellow citizens.
All library information may be found at www.lclibs.org. For questions, please email info@lclibs.org or your local library directly. Be sure to follow the Lebanon County Library System on Facebook, along with the individual libraries.
Lebanon County Library System (@LebanonCountyLibraries)
Lebanon Community Library (@lebanoncommunitylibrary)
Annville Free Library (@AnnvilleFreeLibrary)
Matthews Public Library (@MatthewsPublicLibrary)
Myerstown Community Library (@MyerstownLibrary)
Palmyra Public Library (@PalmyraLibrary)
Richland Community Library (@RichlandCommunityLibrary)